article
Classifictory kinship and classificatory status: the Cottica Djuka of Suriname
Man • 4 • Published In 1969 • Pages: 236-249
By: Köbben, A. J. F..
Abstract
In this article, Köbben discusses how classificatory kin and status are used in formal gatherings, called palavers, that deal with problems related to sickness, marriage, religion, or law. Palavers involve the two interested parties and a third neutral party. Classificatory kin ('mother's brother') are often called upon to represent a party in the gathering. The neutral party is usually a person of status such as a village headman or priest. Often the local chief is away on a visit and not available. In these cases other notables who may be visiting or passing through a village are called upon to oversee the palaver. The author argues that this flexibililty in choice of representatives and adjudicators is an adaptation to the geographical mobility of the Ndyuka. Without such flexiblity, village councils could never be carried out.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1999
- Region
- South America
- Sub Region
- Amazon and Orinoco
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 1997
- Field Date
- 1961-1962
- Coverage Date
- 1961-1962
- Coverage Place
- Suriname
- Notes
- A. J. F. Köbben
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 249)
- LCCN
- sf80000548
- LCSH
- Djuka people